Bombardier Aerospace confirmed today at the Farnborough International Airshow that a firm order for two Q400 NextGen aircraft, which was previously announced on April 23, 2014, was placed by Abu Dhabi-based, Abu Dhabi Aviation. A longtime Bombardier customer, Abu Dhabi Aviation is the largest commercial helicopter operator in the Middle East. The operator’s current fleet also includes one Q400 aircraft, one Dash 8/Q300 aircraft and two Dash 8/Q200 turboprops. The carrier’s main activities relate to the support of offshore oil, engineering and construction companies.

As previously announced, based on the list price for the Q400 NextGen aircraft, the firm order contract is valued at approximately $62 million US.

“As demand for commercial aircraft continues to accelerate within the Middle East, we are pleased to demonstrate the importance of this dynamic market and the opportunities for placing our superior turboprop with an operator like Abu Dhabi Aviation,” said Ray Jones, Senior Vice President, Sales, Marketing and Asset Management, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft. “The Q400 NextGen aircraft is a superior turboprop that provides Abu Dhabi Aviation with the opportunity to expand its networks and market potential, and is especially suitable to operate in the world’s most demanding climatic conditions.”

“Of great importance to our customers is the flexibility offered by the Q400 NextGen aircraft,” said Mike Arcamone, President, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft. “The Q400 NextGen aircraft’s higher take-off weight, thus greater payload, when operating from high altitude-hot weather airports makes it ideal for operating out of some of the most challenging airports in the region.”

About Q400 NextGen aircraft
With the introduction of the Q400 NextGen aircraft, Bombardier invented the modern turboprop. Optimized for short-haul operations and seating up to 86 passengers, the aircraft is a large, fast, quiet and fuel-efficient turboprop that provides the perfect balance of passenger comfort, performance and operational flexibility with the lowest seat-mile costs in the short-haul regional market. With the flexibility to fly at both turboprop and jet-like speeds, the Q400 NextGen aircraft can be profitably deployed over short-range turboprop missions and in medium-haul jet markets. Now available in optional dual class, extra capacity and passenger-cargo combi configurations, the Q400 NextGen aircraft’s versatility positions it to again reshape the turboprop market through profitable growth.

The Q400 NextGen aircraft features an enhanced cabin environment with the introduction of LED lighting, new ceiling panels, dished window sidewalls and larger overhead luggage bins. These features, combined with the aircraft’s Active Noise and Vibration Suppression (ANVS) system, provide an excellent cabin experience for passengers.

Bombardier has recorded firm orders for a total of 499 Q400 and Q400 NextGen aircraft. Worldwide, Q400 and Q400 NextGen aircraft have transported more than 295 million passengers and have logged over 4.7 million flight hours and more than 5 million take-offs and landings. The Q400 and Q400 NextGen aircraft program includes over 50 customers and operators in over 30 countries on five continents. Long recognized as a high-value asset by operators, the Q400 aircraft is now also attracting growing interest from the leasing community.

About Bombardier

Bombardier is the world’s only manufacturer of both planes and trains. Looking far ahead while delivering today, Bombardier is evolving mobility worldwide by answering the call for more efficient, sustainable and enjoyable transportation everywhere. Our vehicles, services and, most of all, our employees are what make us a global leader in transportation.

Bombardier is headquartered in Montréal, Canada. Our shares are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (BBD) and we are listed on the Dow Jones Sustainability World and North America Indexes. In the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013, we posted revenues of $18.2 billion. News and information are available at bombardier.com or follow us on Twitter @Bombardier.